Beulah Simpson Easterlin Wilks

Beulah Marian Simpson Easterlin Wilks passed away peacefully on January 4, 2011, in her daughter's Raleigh, NC, home while surrounded by her beloved family. Beulah, the daughter of James Bernice Hamilton Simpson and Beulah Murray Simpson, was born December 3, 1918, in Summerville, SC. One of four children, Beulah was the sister of the late Wilbur Cannon Simpson, Elizabeth Simpson Burk, and Edythe Simpson Abbott.  She was preceded in death by her husband and childhood sweetheart, Donald Jacob Easterlin, Jr.  She is survived by her husband of twenty-two years, Jack Lee Wilks, Sr.

Beulah graduated with honors from Memminger High School in 1936 where her achievements and accolades were numerous and diverse, including being elected Class President and Student Council Representative for four years, serving as the photo editor of the annual, and was voted Best All Around and Most Popular.  She attended Winthrop College where she was Secretary of her sophomore class and later transferred to the College of Charleston where she was graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1940.  Beulah was a member of the Literary Society, Debaters League, Beta Phi Alpha Sorority, and  Sigma Alpha Phi,the National Society for Leadership and Success.

Beulah, upon graduation, was employed by the Department of Public Welfare as a social worker before joining the family business, Simpson's Woman's Apparel.  A woman ahead of her time, Beulah traveled to New York several times a year to keep Charlestonians attuned to the latest fashion trends.  Her astute business mind was a key ingredient in the success of the family business and resulted in three highly successful stores.  One of Beulah's fondest memories was the production of a successful fashion show hosted by Bob Hope which benefited many local non-profit agencies.  Beulah was a champion bridge player and an avid gardener.  She had a quick wit that forever entertained family and friends.  She was a member of the Las Muchachas, a unique group of friends who relished their time together for decades at the beach and in the mountains.  Beulah was a devoted member of Bethel United Methodist Church.  She became a member on February 5, 1934, serving as a Shepherd and group leader for the West Ashley Group.

She is survived by her four children, Donald Jacob Easterlin, Jr. and wife, Donna, of Durham, NC, Joanne Simpson Easterlin Smith, and husband, Thomas, of Cary, NC, Gregory Winslow Easterlin and wife, Gail, of Spartanburg, SC, and Deborah Parker Easterlin Morris and husband, Charles, of Raleigh, NC; her grandchildren, Christopher Hamilton Smith and wife, Becky, of Greenville, SC, Forrest Easterlin Smith and wife, Diane, of Cary, NC, Emily Easterlin Wallace and husband, Charles, of Kings Mountain, NC, Marian Morris Adams and husband, Benjamin, of Raleigh, NC, Parker Easterlin Morris and wife, Megan, of Washington, DC, Kelly Winslow Easterlin of Atlanta, GA and Allison Simpson Easterlin and Caroline Aldret Easterlin of Durham, NC. She inspired and adored her ten great-grandchildren while receiving the gifts of their special love.

Beulah was a devoted and loving mother and a constant source of strength and wisdom for her children, grandchildren, and in-laws.  "Molly," as she was called by her eight admiring grandchildren, spent countless hours playing games such as Old Maid, Poker and Crazy Eights while subtlety teaching each child valuable life lessons.  For all that knew her, her greeting was a smile, her gentile nature was reassuring and her reward was simply kindness and friendship to everyone who came into her life.

The family wants to extend their gratitude and sincere thanks to Beulah's devoted caregiver and friend, Linda High, as well as to the caring staff of Hospice of Wake County.

A visitation will be held at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm followed immediately by graveside services at Magnolia Cemetery at 2:00 pm, Saturday January 8, 2011.  Friends and family are welcome to visit at Beulah's home following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Building Fund (57 Pitt Street, Charleston, SC 29401) or Hospice of Wake County, NC (250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607).